Published: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 05:15 PM.

Lopez doesn’t call the accident a “proud” moment in his life. Retelling the little he remembers brought Lopez to tears during an interview.

“I could’ve injured someone else. It’s a hard thing to live with, but this could help someone else. I have no problem with that,” Lopez said about the ordeal. “This accident has really opened up my eyes to life, my own life.”

'A lot of good has come'

Admitting his faults hasn’t changed the kindness and support of the Friendship congregation. People Lopez never knew sent him cards and well-wishes. Some even took him meals when he couldn’t cook for himself.

“We’ve been preparing for the fundraiser for around six to seven weeks,” Bevill said. “He’s a member of the community in Fallston. It’s what churches are supposed to do."

Chad Wilson, an event organizer, said the church wants to show love for its community through Christ.

The 45-year-old, who lives in the Fallston community, has a new outlook on life.

A Jan. 6 wreck left Lopez temporarily wheelchair-bound.

Lopez drove along New Prospect Church Road before his Daewoo slammed into a patch of trees and overturned, according to a report from the N.C. Highway Patrol in Cleveland County.

The weeks following taught him how to restore his faith in a community. He saw caring people do exist. He found that in members of a local church.

Members of Friendship United Methodist Church in Fallston are hosting a barbecue fundraiser to assist Lopez with medical expenses incurred from the incident.

Church Pastor Terry Bevill described the move, organized by his congregation, as a “good Samaritan effort.”

'Opened my eyes to life'

Some people recognize Lopez by his voice. Patrons of The Sweezy House in the community dubbed the Michigan native the restaurant’s “Singing Waiter.”

He appreciates the talent more now than ever.

His life could’ve ended in the accident. Friends told him the wreck pinned him inside his vehicle for more than a few minutes. Lopez broke both of his legs. He damaged his spine. More surgeries followed.

Trooper J. Prescott charged Lopez with driving while intoxicated and careless and reckless driving following the incident.

Lopez doesn’t call the accident a “proud” moment in his life. Retelling the little he remembers brought Lopez to tears during an interview.

“I could’ve injured someone else. It’s a hard thing to live with, but this could help someone else. I have no problem with that,” Lopez said about the ordeal. “This accident has really opened up my eyes to life, my own life.”

'A lot of good has come'

Admitting his faults hasn’t changed the kindness and support of the Friendship congregation. People Lopez never knew sent him cards and well-wishes. Some even took him meals when he couldn’t cook for himself.

“We’ve been preparing for the fundraiser for around six to seven weeks,” Bevill said. “He’s a member of the community in Fallston. It’s what churches are supposed to do."

Chad Wilson, an event organizer, said the church wants to show love for its community through Christ.

Lopez said the kindness of strangers stirred feelings inside of him he couldn’t put into words. He’s found salvation.

“They prayed over me without judgment. A lot of good has come out of this accident,” he said.